Heya, ladies! I’m having one of those days again…
My brain feels stretched in 10 different directions!
Concentration much? I’m so jumbled up right now that I’m not even gonna attempt to form a cohesive thought.
Whenever I have days like these, I like to just braindump my thoughts into a list.
1. Have you tried Hourglass Cosmetics yet?
I’ve seen the line carried at my nearby Sephora for a while, but I only just got around to giving it a try. The prices aren’t fantastic (products in the $25-65 range), but I like the texture, pigmentation and packaging of what I’ve seen so far.
Visionaire Eye Shadow Duo in Exhibition (left) and Lagoon (right), each $38
Primer Set in Veil/Solar Tan $56
Shade Eyeshadow in Petal (I have a feeling this might be discontinued; I’ve only found it online at eBay)
I’m digging the eyeshadows — super smooth with saturated color — and the Extreme Sheen Lipglosses look like standouts in the line.
Check out how opaque Siren is… YOWZA!
First row: Visionaire Eyeshadow Duo in Lagoon; Second row: Visionaire Eyeshadow duo in Exhibition; Third Row: Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner in Ebony, Extreme Sheen Lipgloss in Siren, Shade Eyeshadow in Petal
Oh, I almost forgot. Hourglass is hosting a friends (LOL, I almost typed “fiends”) and family sale good through December 14. Enter promo code HGFRIEND at checkout to get 20% off. 🙂
2. Holy crap! I can’t stop watching MTV’s Jersey Shore!!!
With the season finale of The City, and The Hills being completely unwatchable now (one word: SPEIDI), I’ve been aching for a new reality TV crush.
Leave it to MTV. Their newest trainwreck, called Jersey Shore, throws eight East Coasters together for a summer at (yup, you guessed it) the Jersey Shore.
Sounds like pretty standard reality TV fare, right? Oooh, no. This group of very tan, very unstable young people have restored my faith in mind-numbing reality television!
It oozes hair gel, house music, fist pumping and silly nicknames like “J-WOWW” and “Snooki.” By far the greatest source of amusement is the dude who refers to himself (more specifically, to his abdominal muscles) as “The Situation”.
I think that’s what I’m going to start calling my muffin top: “The Situation”. 🙂
Even Tabs wants in on the action. He wants to be called “T-Woww” and asked if he could go to the Jersey shore next summer. I dunno… I’ll have to think about it.
3. Clinique’s Happy-to-Go holiday set
SUPER CUTE!
These solid perfume pencils are from Clinique’s Limited Edition Happy-to-Go holiday set ($30). I like all three scents: Clinique Happy (Clinique’s classic citrus mix of tangerines and white florals), A Hint of Citrus (reminds me of an orange Creamsicle) and A Wealth of Flowers (a bright, uplifting mix of roses and orange).
The set also comes with a silver travel clutch that wouldn’t take up much space in a carry-on bag, hmm… It’s always nice to have lots of scents to choose from. Imma take a sniff right now, AHHHH!
4. Can I get an AMEN for Helvetica Neue?
I must confess: I’m a font junkie! I even point out fonts when I recognize them in public, something my friends have learned to ignore. “Oooh gurrrl,” I’ll blurt at the mall, “Scriptina is so played out!” or, “Comic Sans is the devil. THE DEVIL!”
But Helvetica Neue Ultra Light? I’m just in lurve with how clean, unfussy and elegant it looks.
Do you have a favorite font?
Well, there you have it — the contents of my mind today. Hopefully you’re doing a little better than I am in the attention department this afternoon!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Marce says
Oh my, Siren lip gloss looks like da bomb! Couldn’t have come at more perfect timing, I think it screams Holiday! The purple duo is really pretty too…I love my purples 😀 I want a lip gloss in the colour of A Wealth of Flowers’ chubby pencil, coooraaaal!
XO and a cuddle for T-Woww, LOL
.-= Marce’s last blog post… Lip Swatches – Korres Cherry Full Colour Gloss =-.
Karen says
Oh, that would be a really pretty lipstick!
Glosslizard says
LOL! I was actually thinking what a pretty blush Petal was! 🙂
Karen says
Ha! I know! I sorta forgot that it was an eyeshadow, LOL!
mill says
my local sephora carries hourglass and ive always been tempted to try them out on account of the GORGEOUS packaging. hm.
also have you see their brushes? they look absolutely beautiful.
Hourglass kinda reminds me of that Australian brand Becca.
Karen says
I have… and they’re so pretty and feel really soft. 🙂
Have you played with their Tinted Moisturizer and foundation? It looks pretty good!
YadiQ says
OMG jersey shore is the most retarded show ever
i feel shame living on the east coast cause of them lol for all those who don’t know much abt people on the east coast we are not all like these fools on jersey shore lol
helvetica neue it amazing its one of my faves – but eurostile is the best IMO i also and a huge berkley oldstyle and bodoni ( i too am a fontophile!)
i too am lacking concentration but somehow managed to be pretty darn productive today lol
its yucky weather today in nyc ( outs my face like a brat)
Karen says
For some reason I would’ve never guessed you as a Eurostile kinda girl. Bodoni, yes!
Rae says
Hourglass has always been one of those brands I’ve wanted to try out, but cannot justify splurging for! The packaging is so gorgeous, and you’re right — so is the pigmentation. I’m pretty sure I *need* Siren and Exhibition now :/ Wishlisted it is!
.-= Rae’s last blog post… Luxe lip balm (for a not-so-luxe price!) =-.
Karen says
I wore Siren for a few hours today and OOOH BABY! It’s a hot gloss. 🙂
Rae says
*swoon* We want pics!
.-= Rae’s last blog post… Luxe lip balm (for a not-so-luxe price!) =-.
Karen says
Aye, cap’n. I’m gonna try to do a lip look tomorrow… if I don’t pass out from complete confusion first, LOL! Did I mention I’m having a hard time concentrating?
CC says
Hehe that new font does look chic! I might check out those Clinique solid perfume pencils in person…do they leave white marks on your skin (or clothes) when you use them?
Karen says
Nope! They’re invisible and sink right into the skin — I just rub ’em in a little!
Aleksis says
That show does look very entertaining(love me some reality TV) and LOL @ Tab’s new nickname!! I love fonts too, Brandley hand ITC is my personal favorite! I need that self tanning primer…genius! And no I have never tried them because of the prices :/ Thanks for sharing the perfume pencils with us, I really hope other perfumers will catch on to this trend, as it’s pure genius….!!!!
.-= Aleksis’s last blog post… Oh well… =-.
Karen says
It’s on tonight — are you gonna watch?!?
T-Woww says hi!
Vanessa H says
LOL, I love that show! My boyfriend and I could not stop laughing…that snooki girl needs to be caged, and washed…that fake tan is not cute! It’s hilarious to watch and makes me appreciate California so much…
Karen says
Wasn’t it funny how they kept calling her Snickers? LOL! Her hair FASCINATES me.
Molly says
Oh wow.. Siren looks like icing. I kind of want to taste it. :-p
Karen says
Ha! I kinda felt the same way… I expected it to taste like cinnamon, LOL!
pinksoysauce says
I’m a font junkie too! :O Is Neue Ultra Light available as a free download, or did you have to purchase it? I’m not a fan of Helvetica, the original, but Neue is just so sleek. My go-to font for papers and reports is Centaur, but I have too many favorite fun fonts to count!
Karen says
I think it’s a free download! I didn’t really have to do anything special to get it… I have a MAC though!
Kelly says
I’m a HUUUGGGEEE font fanatic also. In fact I recently bought this book, do you have it yet?
http://www.amazon.com/1000-Fonts-Keith-Martin/dp/081186846X
Helvetica Neue Ultra Light is hot!
.-= Kelly’s last blog post… Weekly Poll =-.
Karen says
I don’t have that book, but it looks FUN!
Jenn says
I first tried hourglass lipglosses (the texture reminded me of the mac dazzleglasses). I also like their calligraphy liner. My most recent items are the lagoon duo and siren lipgloss =)
I can only take jersey shore in small doses, lol.
Karen says
Really? The texture felt completely different from the Dazzleglasses to me… less thick and more slippery.
Ashley says
Hi my name is Ashley & I’m a font junkie 🙁 Bradley Hand ITC is hands down my favorite. Though, I’m very fond of Georgia when it’s in size 8/10. I didn’t like Helvetica (original) much but I’m liking Neue Ultra Light!
So anyway, I haven’t heard of Jersey Shore but I’m not much for reality tv shows but I’ll confess about something else… I love MTV Canada’s reality tv show, “Peak Season”. Seriously, WATCH IT NOOOOW. I understand why my parent’s never let me go to Whistler… I’m only a 2/3 hour drive from there too!
.-= Ashley’s last blog post… Almost December! =-.
Karen says
Bradley is a good font. I like Georgia, too… used to use it in my emails!
As for Helvetica, it looks great when it’s REALLY BIG. Play with it a little… you might fall in love.
I dunno if I’ll be able to get that show here since I’m the US, but I’ll see if I can track it down. 🙂
Amber says
There’s another MTV show, Styl’d that is kind of a fun fashion reality show. I haven’t viewed any of the Jersey show- it looks pretty cringe worthy which might be just what I need today. Thanks for the mindshare!
.-= Amber’s last blog post… smile of the day =-.
Karen says
You’re welcome! Don’t be alarmed if you lose a few brain cells watching it!
Noemi says
oh my god …helvetica neue ultra light is quite possibly my favorite font . i use it on my blog thingy . i like it most when it’s big though . not so much when it’s like 12pt and such . also arial unicode ms and helvetica and hei . i like the spacing between the letters . & other fonts that are sans serif ;] i loathe comic sans . ew .
the exhibition palette looks pretty . i like the dark purple . and the lipgloss . so pretty !
Karen says
Comic Sans needs to DIE. I really hate it when people used to use it at work for flyers and such… every time I see it it makes me cringe.
Oddly, when it’s all in caps and italic (like traditional comic book style) it doesn’t bother me so much!
noemi says
Haha i know ! it’s such a terrible font . Comic book fonts should stay in comic books . Now i’m no purest, but i’m definitely picky with things that should be pleasing to the eye ..like advertisements and flyers and packaging .
There are so many lovelier fonts like helvetica neue ultra light . the simpler the better for mee . My friends and i always notice things like this when we go out [window] shopping :}
Karen says
I notice that stuff too — especially when it’s used in packaging.
How do you feel about Century Gothic? It has the same clean vibe.
amy says
The Clinque perfume sticks are so cute and clever! I always liked their Happy scent. I also like Helvetica font because I use it in all my cover letters and resumes and essays or whenever I write an report.
.-= amy’s last blog post… EOTD Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow Liner: Honey Bunny and Recess Product Pictures Swatches and Review =-.
Karen says
Me too! Did you know that there’s a history between Arial and Helvetica?
amy says
No, I don’t know the font history behind Helvetica and Arial, but do share the story!
.-= amy’s last blog post… Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser with Moisture Rich Soy Extract =-.
knownever says
solid perfume pencils!?!?!? it is a REVELATION! i’m a solid perfume junky. I wish every company would jump on this idea…although the melt potential might be high…
.-= knownever’s last blog post… Twins: The Less List =-.
Karen says
I know, right! They travel so well, too!
What other solid perfumes have you tried?
knownever says
My fav is L’Occitane’s Roses. It’s the only perfume I’ve ever actually been complimented on and they’re only around $9
.-= knownever’s last blog post… Twins: The Less List =-.
Karen says
That sounds like something I’d LOVE! Unfortch the L’Occitane store that used to be in the mall closed down. I hope I can track it down somewhere. $9 is a total steal!
Rebecca says
I call my abs “the Situation” too, but judging by that picture, not for the same reason this guy does…
Those Clinique solid perfumes are so adorable! I’ll have to show them to my friends, along with an oh-so-subtle reminder about how Christmas is coming up 😉
.-= Rebecca’s last blog post… Covergirl’s not-so-Luxe Lashblast Mascara =-.
Karen says
LOL, ME TOO!
My situation is definitely NOT GOOD (too many holiday cookies).
Bomi says
hey karen,
i actually love those clinique perfume pencil things.
it’s such a great idea to have solid perfumes come in little pencils instead of blocks haha.
i’ll see how i can get my hands on this, even just one of the set would be awesome haha.
any plans for christmas time?
going anywhere special?
Karen says
You should totally get these… the scents are very youthful and fun!
For Christmas I’ll be heading home with El Hub to Hawaii to visit family. It’s gonna be hard to be away from my family here in the Bay Area but I’m looking forward to seeing his parents.
How about you? Will you be doing anything special?
Eunice says
hmm, i vaguely remember angelina jolie mentioning hourglass as one of the brands she likes for her lips…siren definitely proves that! absolutely gorgeous.
i’m a total font freak too! i can literally spend hours just going through those font sites and my current favorite is dateline 😀 but helvetica neue has definitely been through my favorite font cycle too 😛
Karen says
Dateline is new to me! I just looked it up — totally reminds of a skinny version of American Typewriter (LOVE).
Tiffany says
Hey girlie! Have you tried the hourglass primers yet? I have a sample from Sephora, but kinda don’t want to try it and love it since it’s hella pricey.
I still need to catch that show! I love a good trainwreck. I would advise against letting T-WOWW go to the shore next summer 🙂
Love that font as well, I’ll have to see if i can download it for free somewhere…
Karen says
I am testing the non-bronzing one over the next few days! I will let you know if it’s worth the $$.
LOL, T-WOWW keeps promising he’ll get a summer job at the shore… I dunno. He can be shady sometimes!
Karen B says
I love fonts! Unfortunately I lost most of the cool ones I had downloaded as my computer crashed 🙁 Boohoo.
I went in search of the Parfum of Coco Mademoiselle yesterday but it is nowhere to be found. They only have the EDP with a spray. I did see one Parfum but it was also with spray as a refill for a purse spray. Meh. So i just got the refill for my EDT purse spray. Those things spray like enormous amounts. Ah well, at least now I’ll smell like me again 🙂
Karen says
Hi Karen B.,
Boo to that! Oh well, at least you got your refill. That’s better than nothing, right?
You know what I’ve heard smells really good? The Coco Mademoiselle Soap. I’ve yet to try it, but I want to!
Tania says
Karen,
I also watch Jersey Shore but I missed it last night. I was watching Law and Order SVU and RW/RR The Ruins or as Joel on The Soup says, The Runs. I don’t know which font I like but I do think that Aerial and Courier New are played out.
Karen says
Hi Tania,
What did you think of the The Ruins finale?
Annieee24 says
Hey Karen,
I’m a Cosmetics Representative for Hourglass and I’m so happy to see your feature on the brand. Despite the high price, you can’t get better pigmentation or quality. Hourglass is also known for their foundation, which is a Sephora best seller. The foundation glides on smoothly, giving you the coverage you want, without being cakey or heavy. Thanks again Karen for the post and hope you enjoy Hourglass! 🙂
emma says
I’ve owned the eye shadow duos. They feel soft, but I didn’t feel the colors were unique enough to justify the price. I thought Lagoon was most unique, but I felt the palette needed a liner color. For the money, I expected a bit more. I don’t like to wear the same colors every day–certainly not blues. The swivel cover did not stay put in my make up bag, but that’s a minor flaw. The shadows are definitely quality though, but did they make my lids look smooth? No.
BeckBeck says
I LOLd at Tabs. How do you think he’d handle a spray tan?
I haven’t paid attention to fonts lately since I’m not doing a lot of word processing/powerpoint work anymore… I do favor serif fonts, like Palatino Linotype (that’s what my resume is in) and Book Antiqua for most things. Because you’re not supposed to use serif fonts on PowerPoint slides (something I learned when a postgrad presentation in Times New Roman garnered that comment… but it looked so pretty on the slides!) I used to use a lot of Tahoma and the Arial family of fonts. To this day Arial Narrow gives me flashbacks to the endless forms of my residency!
Karen says
I dunno what’s happening to that cat. He keeps asking me to buy him hair gel and protein powder! 😉
Catherine says
Ahhhh, so many F&F lately! I don’t think I can spend anymore! LOL.
And I LOVE Helvetica Neue! Especially the Light! It’s my favorite font currently. =)
.-= Catherine’s last blog post… New NOTW – Gold Glitter Tips and Heart Gem on Zoya Ginessa =-.
Karen says
It’s a fantastic font!
Danielle says
I love that you’re a font junkie. So am I! I’m actually taking a Typography class right now in college and the teacher is hilarious. She is also not a fan of Scriptina and says it’s “soooo ’90s.” haha. There are also certain words we are not to say, or use in our designs : The P Word (Papyrus), The C Word (Comic Sans – or Courier! ha). I happen to love Garamond Pro, an oldie but goodie. Bembo is also a beautiful old-style font. Lately, I’ve been into beautifully designed fonts with elaborate swashes 🙂
Karen says
That’s how I feel about Scriptina, HA HA HA!
Garamond is a good one. That’s very 2004 for me! Bembo is new to me so I’ll have to look that one up!
Have you ever seen Hawaii Killer? It’s not very practical but I like it.
Victoria says
scriptina makes me want to puke.
.-= Victoria’s last blog post… victoriado: @ANNIEaWANG Jersey shore is a new MTV show.. kind of like the real world, but in Jersey. it somehow works as TV trash.. =-.
Karen says
LOL, I get that feeling when I see it sometimes. I liked it three years ago but now it drives me bonkers.
Toni says
Oooh, you are so baaaaad! Tempting me with a discount code! If I cave in and buy something, you are going to have some serious explaining to do to my hubby. I’m going to try to swing by Sephora to check out the line in the next day or two, because I am interested in the Hourglass lip glosses – one of your readers mentioned this brand in my non sticky lip gloss search request.
Karen says
LOL! Just tell the boy that a girl *needs* her lipglosses!!!
If you find any exceptional colors let me know. 🙂
Melody says
LMAO comic sans is the devil…yes it is…